Chapter 20: KING OCNOMAD

Grier Citadel, Grier Country

KING OCNOMAD

A rider, an Ocnomad messenger, was wildly heeling his mount as he flattened against its back.

King Nial Ocnomad, a short balding man received the report of his return and ordered the gates open.

In minutes the breathless messenger rushed in. Dropping to a knee and leaning to catch his breath.

“Tell me!” The King ordered.

“He killed him.” The messenger weakly stood.

“Which killed which?” Ocnomad’s hands were white knuckled on the arm rests of his fur-coated throne.

“The King of Assassins killed Wildling!”

“What?” The king leapt to his feet. “How?” He paced.

The queen came rushing in. Graying brown hair sweeping the floor as she entered the room, clutching her skirts.

“You!” Ocnomad turned on her. “This is all your fault.”

“Is there word of him?” She turned to the messenger. Ignoring the king.

“He’s still alive. He killed our assassin.” The messenger grumbled.

“Thank the Heavens.” She put a hand to her heart.

Ocnomad walked over and soundly backhanded her. “Back to your chambers!” He pointed.

Breathing heavily in relief she turned. Clutching her stinging cheek, she obeyed the command to go back to her rooms.

King Ocnomad paced restlessly. “Dammit! Dammit! That boy has been the bane of my life! He’s nearly indestructible. Every time I try to kill him, he emerges unscathed! What’s it going to take?” He was impossibly frustrated.

“Tonius!” He shouted for his Commander.

Tonius, the head of the Grier Guard, entered the room. Helmet cradled under his arm. “Liege.” He dropped to a knee.

“Post that I’m putting a 1,000 coin on the Barter Queen’s Head.”

“My Liege! You’re certain? Such an exorbitant rate…For a woman?”

“I am!”

“I thought you wanted the King of Assassins?”

“Well, I’ve recently gotten word from a good friend that sometimes taking out the queen can have more impact than heading straight for the King.”